Antique French Silver Ciborium By FPM Calliat~Sold~

Antique French Silver Ciborium By ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ François Philibert Marie CALLIAT

Also called a ‘Traveling Cyborium’ or ‘Pyx’, it has a round vessel, closed off by a lid topped by a silver cross, and was used to bring the Blessed Sacrament to the sick.
Its use as a travelling vessel commanded its smaller size.

The inner part, which was in contact with a Sacred Host, is covered in 18 carat gold.
The Ciborium or Pyx, is used for storing the Consecrated Hosts and distributing them during communion.
In shape the Ciborium resembles a Chalice but the Cup or Bowl is round instead of oblong.
The bottom of the cup is a little raised at the centre so that the last particles may be easily removed and the purification more conveniently performed.

The word Ciborium is of rather doubtful etymology, some derive it from the Latin ‘Cibus’ or food in reference to the Heavenly bread. Others trace it to the Greek Kirorion ‘cup’, because of the original shape of the Eucharistic receptacle. The term Ciborium was also used in early Christian times t describe the Canopy that surmounted and crowned the altar.

We are introducing here the first beautiful item of a brand new Collection for Silver Art by D & R; more items will be online on our website soon, and we will eventually dedicate a whole section of our website to it.

The Hallmark is ‘Tête de Vieille Femme’ or Head of an Old Woman which was used in Lyon between the years 1819 and 1838 -1st title (950/1000) Lyon.
It also shows the Lyon guarantee for the same years with the head of a man facing left.

The Makers Mark is that of François Philibert Marie CALLIAT.
His mark shows an F and a C surrounding a bee.
His mark was registered in 1820 and cancelled in 1854.

He was simply one of the Main Master Silversmiths in France specializing in Religious items such as chalices and ciboria’s.
He founded the Lyonnais Dynasty of Silversmiths which became known particularly for their gorgeous Sacred Art pieces.
His descendants were as famous as he was. His daughter and stepson followed in his footsteps and his grandson went on to work in silver until the 1930s.
All in all they created some of the most precious pieces of Religious Art in France.

H: 4.72"W: 2.75"D: 1.18"Reference number: C-146